Apparatus for blending rovings

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for mixing or blending rovings comprising at least two feed mechanisms, each such feed mechanism handling a respective roving, and a common final delivery mechanism. A guide device is interposed between the final delivery mechanism and the feed mechanisms for the purpose of converging the rovings for feeding the same to the final delivery mechanism. A drive mechanism drives the feed mechanisms and the final delivery mechanism at predetermined speeds, and a control apparatus is provided for individually controlling the drives of the feed mechanisms and the final delivery mechanism.

1451 Nov. 11, 1975 United States Patent Amsler U.S. Patent N0v.11, 1975 sheet10f6 3,918,127

U.S. Patent N0v.11,1975 sheetzof 3,918,127

U.S. Patent N0v.11,1975 sheet30f6 3,918,127

U.S. Patent N0v.11,1975 sheemof 3,918,127

FIG-3b U.S. Patent N0v.11, 1975 sheet50f6 3,918,127

U.S. Patent N0v.11, 1975 sheerof 3,918,127

APPARATUS FOR BLENDING ROVINGS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION ducing effect or fancy yarn on ring-spinning machines in that a draw frame is equipped with several roving feeds through which an effect roving is introduced between one or two continuous ground rovings. To produce knots, slubs, loops, and so forth, the effect roving is fed intermittently or at fluctuating speed. Therefore, a drawback of this state-of-the-art device is that an additional feed mechanism must be incorporated into the existing draw frame. This entails complic ated structural changes and is associated with the disadvantage that the effect roving or yarn impinges the ground roving or rovings at a relatively obtuse angle without special guiding. This can lead to difficulties in combining the rovings and, in particular, to undesirable protruding fiber ends, i.e. slub ends, which are not securely twisted into the yarn, and which to some extent can be withdrawn by suction air. Furthermore, drafting of the roving is only possible to a limited extent, since usually there is not provided a pair of feed rolls.

Another state-of-the-art apparatus proposed heretofore contemplates feeding one or two ground rovings to a pair of delivery rolls through the agency of a first pair of feed rolls. Following the pair of feed rolls, there is provided another pair of infeed rolls which introduces another roving intermittently or at fluctuating speed to the same pair of delivery rolls. The drawback of this system is that the apparatus is only suitable for slight drafts and for special materials. Additionally, the effects, i.e. the slubs, are always very long and not reproducible because of the subsequent drafting on the ringspinning machine.

A common disadvantage associated with the heretofore known apparatuses is that they require at least one continuous ground roving and can only feed one additional roving to produce the effects or slubbing, which incidentally must be specially prepared.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Hence, it is primary object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for blending rovings which is not associated with the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations of the prior art constructions.

Another and more specific object of the present invention aims at the provision of a new and improved construction of apparatus for blending or mixing rovings which precludes the needfor having a continuous ground roving, i.e. all rovings can be similarly variable, and wherein further the apparatus can process more than two rovings.

Now in order to implement these and still further objects of the invention, which will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds, the apparatus of this development for the mixing or blending of rovings is manifested by the features that there are provided:

a. at least two feed mechanisms, each feed mechanism handling a respective roving, and one common delivery mechanism; l

b. a guide mechanism for bringing together the rovings to the delivery mechanism, said guide mecha- 2 nism being located between the feed mechanisms and the delivery mechanism;

c. a drive mechanismfor driving the feed mechanisms and delivery mechanism at adjustable speeds; and

d. a control mechanism for the individual control of the drive of the feed mechanisms and the delivery mechanism.

The apparatus of this invention permits of a wide range of variations in mixing rovings since the individual feed mechanisms can be varied independently of one another and it is no longer necessary to have a continuous ground roving due to the provision of a guide mechanism between the delivery mechanism and the feed mechanisms. Thus, for instance, the individual feed mechanisms may operate completely independent of one another, for instance, as concerns speed, roving material and count and, if required, with respect to drafting and staple length. Furthermore, three, four and more feed mechanisms may be incorporated, all of which are mutually independent but feed to a common delivery mechanism. Thus, a great many different effect variations can be attained, which heretofore could not be produced. Notwithstanding this wide variation range, it is nonetheless possible to maintain the mixed roving counts uniform if desired.

The mixing or blending apparatus has universal application; for instance, it can serve to mix or blend rovings issuing from a card. A particular advantage of the mixing apparatus of this development resides in the production of effect or fancy yarns and threads, in which case the same can be readily installed at the respective spinning and twisting machines. During the production of fancy yarns or threads, a pair of correspondingly slower running feed rolls is installed upstream of each delivery mechanism, to form a drafting zone. In the production of flat, untwisted yarn, several rovings, for example, four rovings, may be simultaneously processed, as a result of which there is obtained a more uniform yarn with less expenditure in labor.

Preferably the drafting zone incorporates the common final delivery mechanism which contains a pair of rolls including a driven bottom roll and a top roll, the top roll being urged against the bottom roll under a prebias or pressure which is preferably adjustable.

It is of advantage if the top roll is equipped with a gripping or engaging surface, preferably a milled or fluted surface, the grooves running, for instance, preferably in longitudinal direction. Such special gripping effect is preferred if, for the purpose of realizing a particular effect, one or more feed mechanisms are briefly and intermittently controlled at a higher peripheral speed than the pair of delivery rolls. With such socalled overfeed of the roving there occurs a fiber accumulation in front of the nip of the delivery rolls, with some of the fibers being located laterally of the general roving direction, and these fibers can be satisfactorily drawn only by virtue of the good gripping characteristics of the pair of delivery rolls.

Another useful embodiment of the invention limited to some extent by the type of material being processed is the provision of a special form of rubbing leathers following the delivery rolls. This is the case, for instance, if no spindle is used for the twisting and winding-up of blended rovings. In such case the mixing apparatus is employed as a so-called roving blender and serves as a preparatory machine for the ring-spinning machine. With this embodiment it is expedient to provide the delivery mechanism `with a second pair of aprons or leathers, `such that the front nip still is located at the pair of rolls. This arrangement affords satisfactory guiding of the delivered roving and prevents lapping about the presser or Contact roll and its cylinder or tube.

The feed mechanisms may be constructed in the form of pairs of rolls, each pair comprising a driven bottom roll and a top roll, the top roll being pressed against the bottom roll, preferably with a controlled adjustable pre-bias` This construction can be provided if only a few feed mechanisms are employed.

Continuing, in accordance with one exemplary preferred embodiment of the invention, the feed mechanisms are in the form of a pair of aprons, and in such case the bottom apron, rotating about a driven bottom roll, works in conjunction with a top apron rotating about a top roll, the top roll preferably being biased against the bottom apron with an adjustable pre-tension or pressure. In this instance it is of advantage if the double apron mechanism possesses a rear pair of rolls and if the aprons are designed such as to extend towards the front to enclose an acute angle, in other words converge towards one another. This arrangement allows several feed mechanisms to be employed, for instance four, and in addition for the delivery or outfeed of the feed mechanism to be arranged particularly closeto the f'inal delivery mechanism.

The double apron systems are advantageously designed such that their inlet mouth at the apron deflection edges as well as the central nip are adjustable. In addition, it is advisable to use so-called short bottom aprons, i.e. aprons which are not equipped with a special spring-tensioning device. The top rolls are preferably arranged in a space-saving manner in that, unlike heretofore the case, they do not lie approximately at right angles to the roving direction, but are now considerably recessed or set back. In this way it is possible to achieve an especially flat and tapered form for the apron deflection or reversal edge. In order to be able to process different staple lengths at the same time, provision is made for preferably adjustable auxiliary nipforming elements. The same could in fact be provided, for instance, for extremely long staple fibers in that grooves are provided in the top rolls, thus simulating the so-called slip-draft technique. This requires that for the rear nip a pair of feed rolls is to be provided for each apron feeder, a feature which is essential in any case for high drafts. Notwithstanding the required extreme compact construction, the top rolls together with their cages can be easily dismantled.

According to a particularly advantageous constructional form of the invention, two feed mechanisms are combined to provide a preferably mirror-image symmetrical feed unit. In this case it is of particular advantage if the confronting components of the feed unit constitute the pressure sections of the feed mechanisms and if such are combined into a detachable, push-in or insertable unit, which can be locked during operation, such that when the push-in or insertable unit is inserted, the pressure components are effective.

The feed mechanisms are preferably designed in such a way that the individual components are interchangeable with components of other dimensions.

The guide mechanism located between the feed mechanisms and the final delivery mechanism is responsible for guiding the rovings to the final delivery mechanism, for which pyrpose it may possess for in- 4 stance. open or closed guide channels, for each draftin mechanism orarrangement, these channels terminating in a common guide channel forwardly of the final delivery mechanism. The guide mechanism is preferably constructed such that it feeds the roving without hindrance, i.e. without substantial kink locations oripronounced deflections, directly up to the nip of the delivery mechanism. The guide mechanism can also possess the form of a condenser.

It is recommended to construct the guide mechanism of a very hard wear-resistant material which, in addition to the necessary chemical properties, also" possesses extremely good sliding properties in conjunction with a hard smooth surface.

This guide mechanism is preferably arrangedto be replaceable and may be used in various dimensions or i sizes and constructional variations in accordance with the contemplated range of yarn counts and the type of fancy yarn. The infeed or intake openings for the individual fiber strands can be arranged in accordancewith y the traverse of the roving, so that even at the two outeri most or extreme delivery points the fibers can be faultlessly consolidated.

In accordance with a particularly desirable embodiment of the invention, the described guide mechanism may, for example, have only twoy openings or apertures for four rovings, each opening being rinitially subdivided by a wedge-shaped insert at the push-in or insertable units.

It is advantageous if the drive mechanism is constituted by a drive gear with sets of change wheels, differential gears, brakes, and couplings, which can be operated as desired from a control unit, which, inturn, is

preferably of a punched tape or magnetic tape type of control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TI-IE DRAWINGS,y

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent when Consideration is given to the following detailed; description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of la blending or mixing ap-` t paratus having four drafting zones, taken substantially along the line I-I of FIG. 3 in the guide plane of the roving, i.e. the` plane along which the roving is fed;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the apparatus depicted in l FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line IV-IV of FIG. 2 and depicting the attachment of the push-in unit;

FIG. 5 illustrates theguideand compacting or con; densing device of FIG. 1 as viewed from the input end',

FIG. 6 illustrates the drive mechanism for the effect yarn apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 illustrates a control mechanism used with the effect yarn apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 depicts a modified embodiment of effectpyarn i apparatus or yarn blending apparatus, having two drafting zones, and portrayed as a section taken through the guide plane of the roving.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED. EMBODIMENTS Describing now the drawings, it is here mentioned that the mixing or blending apparatus illustrated by way of example in the drawings is constructed as a doubleapparatus, i.e. in addition to the four drafting zones which have been illustrated, another four are provided on the other side of the support frame, such that the tiered drafting zones all have the same axes and shafts for the individual drafting zones. Generally speaking, however, the description to follow will be confined to one apparatus on one side of the support frame.

Considering therefore FIGS. 1 and 2 more specifically, it is to be understood that there is illustrated therein a mixing or blending apparatus for the production of effect yarn, this apparatus having four drafting zones S1, S2, S3 and S4, in which four rovings are mixed to produce an effect or fancy yarn G. The drafting zones Sl, S2, S3 and S4 have a common final delivery mechanism 1 as well as in each instance an intermediate delivery or feed mechanism 2 and a pair of infeed or intake rolls 3, each of which is preceded by a roving guide 4. Between the intermediate feed or delivery mechanisms 2 and the final delivery mechanism 1 there is interposed a guide mechanism or device 5 for collecting the rovings from the intermediate delivery mechanisms 2 on their way to the common final delivery mechanism 1.

In the embodiment under consideration, the final delivery mechanism 1 is in the form of a pair of rolls incorporating the driven bottom roll 6 and a top roll 7 pressing against the bottom rolls 6 by means of an adjustable pre-tensioning or pre-biasing device 8. As best seen by referring to FIG. 2, the pre-tensioning or prebasing device 8 incorporates a torsion spring 9, the force of which is transferred via a lever 10 to the shaft 11 of the top roll 7. A cam' 12 serves to partially or fully relieve the top roll 7. The intermediate feed or delivery mechanisms 2 are in the form of double-apron feeders, converging at an acute angle towards the Vfinal delivery mechanism 1. Each double-apron feeder embodies a short bottom apron 14 guided about a bottom roll 13, this apron being devoid of any particular tensioning device, but is practically guided over its whole length and, after opening the cage 15, the same can be replaced. The corresponding top apron 16 is longer and is guided over the top roll 17 which is pressed against the bottom roll 13 and thus against the bottom apron 14, by means of a preferably adjustable pre-tensioning or pre-biasing device 18. The front deflection edge or point 19 of the top apron 16 is trained or guided over a guide fork or bifurcated member 20. In order to realize a particularly slim construction-for the double-apron mechanism 2, the top and bottom rolls 17, 13 are arranged at the rear end of the double-apron feeder, such that the top roll 17 (viewed in the direction of travel of the roving) is recessed or set back relative to the bottom roll 13 and guided thereat such that the loop of the top apron 16, facing the bottom apron 14, is in contact therewith and extends part of the way about the circumference of the bottom roll 13.

The rear nip point or nip of the double-apron feeder is located at the pair of rolls 13 and 17. The intermediate, sliding nip zone is preferably adjustable and, particularly in the case of extremely short staple material, is determined for instance by a roll 21 located between the runs or loops of the top apron, the distance from the roll 21 to the front deflection point 19 being adjustable as is also the pressure against the top apron run. The front nip point or nip is located at the pair of final delivery rolls 6 and 7. For the purpose of setting the mouth opening of the double-apron feeder, the cage 15 serving to guide the bottom apron 14 is adjustable relative to the top apron 16. For this purpose the bottom apron Cage 15 is pivotably mounted about the axis of the bottom roll 13. The bottom apron cage 15 is equipped with a stop 23 which is spring loaded via a spring 22, this stop resting against an adjustable guide 24, by means of which the aperture or mouth opening can be regulated or adjusted, as best understood by referring to FIG. 2.

As readily seen by referring to FIGS. l, 2 and 8, the intermediate feed mechanisms 2 of the pair of drafting zones S1, S2, and S3, S4 are combined into one unit and in mirror-image symmetry. In this case the pressure components of such intermediate feed mechanisms 2 bear against one another, that is to say, the upper apron 16 with the upper roll 17. These pressure components are combined into a detachable push-in or insertable unit E which can be locked in its operating position and has been depicted in the views of FIGS. 3, 3a and 3b.

Such push-in unit E is provided with a support 26 fhaving a handle 25. The top roll 17 is mounted on the support 26 via a pre-tensioner or pre-tensioning device 18. In addition, the support 26 carries the guide fork 20 for holding and guiding the top apron 16 as well as the roll 21 (when in use) for setting the intermediate sliding zone of the double-apron feeder. Also mounted on the support or holder is the guide 24 for the stop 23 for setting the mouth opening or aperture to the doubleapron feeder.

The push-in or insertable unit E is provided with a dovetail guide 27 by means of which it is inserted into the corresponding guide 28 on a support or frame 29. This support is eqipped with an arm 30 which carries the guide 28 and which is attached to the housing 32 by means of the longitudinally extending shaft or axle 3l. By means of a manually-operated locking device 33, the push-in unit E automatically engages in its operating position when this unit is inserted into the support 29. Furthermore, upon insertion of the push-in unit E, the top rolls 17 are pressed against the bottom rolls 13 by means of the pre-tensioner 18 while the top apron 16 is brought into contact with the bottom apron 14 and tensioned. The desired tension or bias can be set by means of an adjusting screw 34 of the pre-tensioner 18. When pushing-in the insertable unit E there is also simultaneously adjusted the mouth opening or aperture between the top or upper apron 16 and the bottom or lower apron 14, which opening can also be further varied by exchanging the guide 24.

The pairs of feed or infeed rolls 3 are constructed in the same manner as the final or output delivery rolls, and hence also comprise a driven bottom roll 35 and top roll 37, pressing against the bottom roll by means of a pre-tensioning device 36. The pre-tensioner or pretensioning device 36 is similar in construction to the pre-tensioner or pre-tensioning device 8 and undertakes the same function. The pairs of feed or intake rolls 3 are mounted in bearings 38 which are displaceably mounted at the housing 32 for processing rovings of different fiber length.

The guide mechanism 5 which is located between the intermediate feed or delivery mechanism 2 and the final or output delivery mechanism 1, is equipped with a guide channel 39 for each of the drafting rzones S1, S2, S3, S4, as best seen by referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, these guide channels commencing at the intermediate delivery mechanisms 2 and terminating prior to the final delivery mechanism 1 in a common guide channel 40 which extends up to the nip of the final delivery mechanism 1. It is particularly advantageous if the guide mechanism or guide device has a funnel-like opening 41 for forming the guide channel for the two drafting zones, this opening 41 being divided into two guide channels by means of a wedge-shaped insert 42 in the inlet zone. The wedge-shaped insert 42 is arranged at the push-in or insertion unit E and facilitates the threading-in of the roving when starting-up the apparatus. In addition, the rovings are guided via the guide channels 39, 40 directly from the intermediate delivery mechanisms 2 up to the nip of the final delivery mechanism 1. It is advantageous if the guide mechanism is simultaneously constructed as a condenser.

Now in FIG. 6 there is depicted a block diagram of the drive mechanism wherein the final or output delivery mechanism 1 is followed by the spindles 43 which are driven by a drum drive 44 and produce an appropriate yarn twist for the effect or fancy roving G. The schematic diagram'of the drive only illustrates the final delivery mechanism 1v with the top and bottom rolls 6 and 7 and the intermediate delivery mechanisms 2 22, 23, 24 with the top and bottom rolls 17 13 172, 132, 173, 133, 174, 134. For the sake of clarity in illustration, the infeed rolls have been conveniently omitted. The individual feed or delivery mechanisms are driven by the motor M through the agency of various sets of change wheels or gears W, coupings K1, K2 and K3, a differential D, idlers F and brakes B4 and B5, as shown.

For instance, the bottom roll 132 and the top roll 172 of the intermediate delivery mechanism 22 are driven when the coupling K3 is engaged. Consequently, the bottom roll 13l will rotate if the brake B5 brakes the bottom roll 132, and conversely, the bottom roll 132 will rotate if the brake B4 is applied to the bottom roll 13,. Independent thereof, the bottom roll 133 rotates when the coupling K2 is engaged. The bottom roll 134 will be driven at a basic rotational speed via the mechanical free wheeling device F. The bottom roll 134 will rotate at a predetermined higher peripheral speed only when coupling K1 is engaged. The different drafts and peripheral speeds are set by means of the appropriate change wheels or gears. Control of the three electromagnetic couplings K1-K3 and the two brakes B4-B5 is undertaken for instance by means of a 5-track punched tape unit, as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Now, FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of the 5-track punched tape control unit, the punched tape or information carrier 46 being preferably of the endless type and being transported at a predetermined adjustable relationship with regard to the delivery speed of the fancy yarn at the final delivery mechanism. The

punched tape 46 can be arranged such that it can be replaced and is generally not coded. The perforations in the tape 46 are scanned by a suitable scanner, here in the form of photocells 47 and the impulses are transmitted to the couplings K1, K2, K3 and brakes B4, B5 via amplifier 48, timing element 49 and switching or contact relays 50.

Now with the benefit of the foregoing description, the function of the apparatus will now be considered and is as follows:

The four rovings G1, G2, G3, G4 in the four drafting zones S1, S2, S3, and S4 are fed from the four pairs of infeed rolls 3 through the agency of the four intermediate feeders or delivery mechanisms 2 to the common final delivery mechanism 1. Along this path the rovings may be subjected to an appropriate drafting, which` may be described for instance as follows for the roving The pair of infeed or intake rolls 3, with the bottom roll 35, rotates at a peripheral speed of 50 cm/min. The intermediate feed or delivery mechanism 2, i.e. the double-apron feed, operates at a speed of cm/min,

as a result of which, the thickness of the roving is consequently, the roving will have been subjected to a f Y total 20-fold draft. The rovings G2, G3, G4 can be analogously drafted or subjected to a different draft.` The individual distances between the nip points and the toproll pressurescan be adjustedin accordance with the fiber dimensions and roving counts. x i In order to produce fancy yarn, the individual intermediate delivery mechanisms 2 and the pair of intake rolls 3 must operate at different peripheral speeds, so that the proportion `of fibers of the individual, possibly different rovings G1, G2, G3, and G4 appear differ-` ently at the final delivery mechanism 1.` By intermittently stopping one or more of the intermediate delivery mechanisms and the pairs of intake or infeed rolls, the relevant roving ruptures in the guide mechanism or device and again automatically joins itself with .the`

other rovings at the nip point of the final delivery mechanism when the roving again moves through the guide mechanism.

For instance, in the case of colored fancy yarns, by rapidly reducing the delivery speed of the roving G1 to` zero and correspondingly increasing the delivery speed of the intermediate delivery mechanism for the roving` G3 from zero, there will be a complete change inthe color of the fancy roving G: the rovings G2 and G4 can be controlled in similar rmanner with other colors. This will then produce a fancy yarn G with four completely alternating color patterns, the colors only overlapping at the transition locations while the roving count itself i remains relatively constant throughout.

For continual processing of extremely short fiber lengths, for instance cotton, the intermediate delivery mechanisms 2 can be in the form of short aprons 14, 16

and suitable cages can be used. For medium fiber lengths, these aprons may be replaced by adjustable elements, such as rolls 2l` which reduce the distance bey i tween the nip or clamping points between the intermediate delivery mechanism and the final delivery mechanism. In the case of long fibers, the intermediate delivery mechanism can comprise a top roll having fiuting or grooves, as generally indicated by reference character 100, with which the so-called Lslip-drafting system can be applied. Similarly, in place of the` delivery 0r mechanism 2 it is possible to use longer aprons 14 and 16, appropriate cages 15 and suitable push-in or insertion units E. Also the top roll 7 of the final delivery mechanism 1 can be provided with an interrupted surface for instance in the form of lengthwise extending Finally, FIG. 8 illustrates the mixing or blending apparatus which in contrast to the embodiment heretofore described only has two drafting zones S1 and S2 for only processing two rovings G1 and G2. Otherwise, the construction is similar to that described above and it will be understood that the same reference characters have been generally employed to designate the same or analogous elements.v

While there is shown and described present preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto, but niay be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims. Accordingly,

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for manufacturing fancy yarns comprising:

at least four drafting feed means for handling respective rovings, each drafting feed means including an intermediate feed mechanism adapted to receive a respective roving;

a final delivery mechanism cooperating with the intermediate feed mechanisms of each of said drafting feed means and arranged subsequently thereof;

a guide mechanism interposed between said inter'rnediate feed mechanisms and said final delivery mechanisms, said guide mechanism being positioned in close proximity to said intermediate feed mechanism, said guide mechanism having a respective guide channel associated with each intermediate feed mechanism for receiving a respective roving therefrom, each respective guide channel terminating in a common guide channel which extends to the nip of said nal delivery mechanism;

drive means for operating said drafting feed means and said final delivery mechanism, said drive means arranged to drive said final delivery mechanism at a higher peripheral speed relative to said drafting feed means, said drive means comprising a differential, at least a first, second and third coupling, a plurality of change gears operatively connected to said couplings, said first and second couplings operatively connected to a respective intermediate feed mechanism, said third coupling operatively connected to said differential, said differential operatively connected to two intermediate feed mechanisms, and brake means interposed between said differential and each of the said two inteiinediate feed mechanisms connected thereto; and

control means connected to and selectively actuating said first, second and third couplings and said brake means of said drive means for individually varying the peripheral speed of said at least four drafting feed means from zero to a predetermined maximum during the operation of said apparatus.

2. Apparatus for manufacturing fancy yarns comprising:

at least two drafting feed means for handling respective rovings, each drafting feed means including an intermediate feed mechanism adapted to receive a respective roving;

a housing having at least one support means secured thereto, at least one pair of intermediate feed mechanisms being mounted to said housing symetrically of each other and said at least one support means, each of said intermediate feed mechanisms including detachable pressure components, the pressure components of each pair of intermediate feed mechanisms being affixed in confronting relation to form a removable push-in unit adapted to be inserted into said one support means such that upon insertion of said push-in unit the pressure components are operatively associated with their respective intermediate feed mechanism;

a final delivery mechanism cooperating with the intermediate feed mechanisms of each of said drafting feed means and arranged subsequently thereof;

a guide mechanism interposed between said intermediate feed mechanisms and said final delivery mechanisms, said guide mechanism being positioned in close proximity to said intermediate feed mechansim said guide mechanism having a respective guide channel associated with each intermediate feed mechanism for receiving a respective roving therefrom, each respective guide channel terminating in a common guide channel which extends to the nip of said final delivery mechanism;

drive means for operating said drafting feed means and said final delivery mechanism, said drive means arranged to drive said final delivery mechanism at a higher peripheral speed relative to said drafting feed means; and

control means connected to said drive means for individually varying the peripheral speed of said at least two drafting feed means from zero to a predetermined maximum during the operation of said apparatus.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein each intermediate feed mechanism is constructed as a double-apron feed mechanism, each intermediate feed mechanism including a lower apron, a lower guide and a lower roller, said lower apron being guided substantially over its entire length by said lower roller and said lower guide, and wherein said pressure components of each intermediate feed mechanism include an upperapron, an upper roller and a guide fork, said upper apron being guided by said upper roller and said guide fork and in confronting relation with said lower apron, and wherein the upper roller of the pressure components of each pair of intermediate feed mechanisms is arranged relative to its associated lower roller such that its associated upper apron bears against the lower apron of its respective intermediate feed mechanism over at least a portion of the periphery of its associated lower roller.

4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 including a pretensioning means operatively connected to the upper roller of each intermediate feed mechanism for prestressing such upper roller toward its associated lower roller.

5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the lower guide of each intermediate feed mechanism is pivotally mounted about the axis of said lower roller and including a resiliently-biased stop means operatively connected to the lower guide of each intermediate feed mechanism for controlling the4 pivotal position of its associated lower guide.

i i i =i 

1. Apparatus for manufacturing fancy yarns comprising: at least four drafting feed means for handling respective rovings, each drafting feed means including an intermediate feed mechanism adapted to receive a respective roving; a final delivery mechanism cooperating with the intermediate feed mechanisms of each of said drafting feed means and arranged subsequently thereof; a guide mechanism interposed between said intermediate feed mechanisms and said final delivery mechanisms, said guide mechanism being positioned in close proximity to said intermediate feed mechanism, said guide mechanism having a respective guide channel associated with each intermediate feed mechanism for receiving a respective roving therefrom, each respective guide channel terminating in a common guide channel which extends to the nip of said final delivery mechanism; drive means for operating said drafting feed means and said final delivery mechanism, said drive means arranged to drive said final delivery mechanism at a higher peripheral speed relative to said drafting feed means, said drive means comprising a differential, at least a first, second and third coupling, a plurality of change gears operatively connected to said couplings, said first and second couplings operatively connected to a respective intermediate feed mechanism, said third coupling operatively connected to said differential, said differential operatively connected to two intermediate feed mechanisms, and brake means interposed between said differential and each of the said two intermediate feed mechanisms connected thereto; and control means connecTed to and selectively actuating said first, second and third couplings and said brake means of said drive means for individually varying the peripheral speed of said at least four drafting feed means from zero to a predetermined maximum during the operation of said apparatus.
 2. Apparatus for manufacturing fancy yarns comprising: at least two drafting feed means for handling respective rovings, each drafting feed means including an intermediate feed mechanism adapted to receive a respective roving; a housing having at least one support means secured thereto, at least one pair of intermediate feed mechanisms being mounted to said housing symetrically of each other and said at least one support means, each of said intermediate feed mechanisms including detachable pressure components, the pressure components of each pair of intermediate feed mechanisms being affixed in confronting relation to form a removable push-in unit adapted to be inserted into said one support means such that upon insertion of said push-in unit the pressure components are operatively associated with their respective intermediate feed mechanism; a final delivery mechanism cooperating with the intermediate feed mechanisms of each of said drafting feed means and arranged subsequently thereof; a guide mechanism interposed between said intermediate feed mechanisms and said final delivery mechanisms, said guide mechanism being positioned in close proximity to said intermediate feed mechansim said guide mechanism having a respective guide channel associated with each intermediate feed mechanism for receiving a respective roving therefrom, each respective guide channel terminating in a common guide channel which extends to the nip of said final delivery mechanism; drive means for operating said drafting feed means and said final delivery mechanism, said drive means arranged to drive said final delivery mechanism at a higher peripheral speed relative to said drafting feed means; and control means connected to said drive means for individually varying the peripheral speed of said at least two drafting feed means from zero to a predetermined maximum during the operation of said apparatus.
 3. The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein each intermediate feed mechanism is constructed as a double-apron feed mechanism, each intermediate feed mechanism including a lower apron, a lower guide and a lower roller, said lower apron being guided substantially over its entire length by said lower roller and said lower guide, and wherein said pressure components of each intermediate feed mechanism include an upper-apron, an upper roller and a guide fork, said upper apron being guided by said upper roller and said guide fork and in confronting relation with said lower apron, and wherein the upper roller of the pressure components of each pair of intermediate feed mechanisms is arranged relative to its associated lower roller such that its associated upper apron bears against the lower apron of its respective intermediate feed mechanism over at least a portion of the periphery of its associated lower roller.
 4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 including a pretensioning means operatively connected to the upper roller of each intermediate feed mechanism for prestressing such upper roller toward its associated lower roller.
 5. The apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein the lower guide of each intermediate feed mechanism is pivotally mounted about the axis of said lower roller and including a resiliently-biased stop means operatively connected to the lower guide of each intermediate feed mechanism for controlling the pivotal position of its associated lower guide. 